I grew up around good people like this man. This video reminds us of the hope and simple goodness in honest, hard-working people; qualities that unite us.
In contrast, the McCain-Palin campaign centers around issues that divide us. United we stand; divided, we fall. Instead of addressing our problems, McCain and Palin flail from subject to subject. If they're not speculating wildly about socialism, communism and changing the Constitution, they're lying about Sen. Obama's positions. These tactics are of course, attempts to change the conversation, smokescreens for McCain's lack of ideas for the economy and the myriad difficult issues America faces. On Tuesday, McCain's economic adviser Douglas Holtz-Eakin admitted Obama's health care plan was better for consumers than McCain's proposal.
A good example of the differences in philosophy between the presidential candidates is that when it rained Tuesday in Pennsylvania, Sen. Barack Obama stood in the cold and pouring rain - without a hat or umbrella - and spoke from the heart to 9,000 supporters about issues that matter. Sen. John McCain cancelled his rally, due to the weather.
If you have any questions or doubts about who's the better man to lead the country, watch Sen. Obama's speech tonight on your local television station or cable channel. If you missed it, see it online here and various sources.
Scroll down the page for two other posts today.
When I see some people taking signs off lawns or tearing bumper stickers off cars because they cannot allow anyone else their own feelings or beliefs, I despair for this country. It happens too often. And even more often, people don't want to talk about anything that's real and happening, because they are scared.
But then, when I see people young or old, listening to someone who disagrees with them, or accepting that someone has the right to display a lawn sign which may reflect something they don't themselves agree with, it gives me hope. What I hope for this country is what Obama's campaign is offering. A return to respect for the values the U.S. was founded upon: tolerance, freedom, the power and integrity of the individual. It is not hopeful to silence people. Silencing people comes from fear. Hope is the opposite of fear. I am focusing on my hope that this country will rise above hatred and fear in the form of jingoism, racism, classism, party politics, fundamentalism, or any form of exclusion and judgment.
Posted by: Chris | 31 October 2008 at 00:39
Of course online today news reports are saying that if McCain fails to win next Tuesday, the Republicans will be shifting the blame onto Palin. Well, her star didn't shine very long, did it? A flash in the old pan. Some gentleman he turned out to be, huh? Shifting it over to a woman he picked himself.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | 30 October 2008 at 22:17
I am still in tears. I spent the weekend in my hometown a couple of weeks ago for my class reunion. We were the first class to go through school starting with "Freedom of Choice," and it was heartwarming to see, after 30 years, how close we all were, regardless of race or class. ALL of us had knees (or something) that hurt. We'd had pain and loss. But we could laugh with each other over photos of feathered bouffants and afros.
Posted by: Michelle | 30 October 2008 at 17:01
I have such great hopes for Obama ~ and Tara ~ l o v e
that fabuous banner:)
Posted by: maddie | 30 October 2008 at 16:48
Proud Obama supporter here!
Posted by: Bobbi | 30 October 2008 at 14:22
Yep. Watched it. As expected were were balling like babies. He is a wonderful, spectacular man. He has a way of just reaching in and grabbing/hugging your heart. I am just sorry that both his Mom and Dad never got to see the great man he has become.
And yes, I saw his speech, while getting drowned in the freezing cold rain- for a crowd of 9,000 in that weather!!!! Both are unbelievable!!! 9,000 came out in that weather. I read a bloggers account who was there with her daughter. She said she brought her daughter despite the weather beacuse she wanted her daughter to be able to tell the story of how when she was 12 she saw the first African-American President speak in person.
How lovely.
He just has to be our next President!!!
GO VOTE!!!!
Posted by: My Mélange | 30 October 2008 at 13:15
i have to admit that i was worried about that 30-minute video, but just watched it with tears in my eyes. obama is amazing!
Posted by: julochka | 30 October 2008 at 08:12
That brought me to tears. I really do think that he cares about people - all people - and it's been so long since I felt that about a candidate.
Posted by: elizabeth | 30 October 2008 at 05:15
Honestly this video broke my heart. This man was married forever, obviously to his soul mate. I love that! He called Barack Obama, lovely! This man is my angel for the day. Seeing people like this, reminds me that there are still good people in this world.
I am in tears over here.
We watched Sen. Obama speak tonight and when he asked the people to knock on a few doors for him, make a few calls. It reminded me that no one can do it alone, no one. We have to step up to this challenge.
: ) A big, teary HUG to you for this post.
Posted by: Christina | 30 October 2008 at 03:14
Tara, I just watched Barack Obama's half-hour. Honestly I was sorry when it ended; I could have watched a second half-hour. It was brilliant, it was compassionate, it was moving, it was pure Barrack! Do not miss it. Huffpost has it on youTube.
xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 30 October 2008 at 01:48
Oh my goodness, talk about a lovely lovely man, brought me to tears listening to him. It is time TIME for America to stand up and unite... distance themselves from the politics of fear and hate..... time to stand up for one another..... I'm so ready for that day Tara So ready:) !
Posted by: Amy | 29 October 2008 at 23:42
Thank you -- this is one of the best posts yet.
Posted by: diane | 29 October 2008 at 23:19